Spatial frequency processing and the prediction of reading ability : a preliminary investigation

William Lovegrove, University of Tasmania
Walter L. Slaghuis, University of Tasmania
Alison C. Bowling, Southern Cross University
Peter Nelson, University of Tasmania
Estelle Geeves, University of Tasmania

Abstract

Measures of vocabulary, digit span, and pattern-contrast sensitivity for low- to medium-spatialfrequency gratings were collected from 123 representative prereaders. A multiple regression analysis showed that these were moderate predictors of reading ability 2 years later. The contrastsensitivity measure made a significant unique contribution to the regression equation. The results are interpreted in terms of recent data that indicate a transient-system deficit in specifically disabled readers